10 Great Apps for Remote Access & Support

Among other things, remote access of a computer is primarily used for accessing files or to provide support and maintenance. Even the age of the cloud, it might be against the policy of your company to store and retrieve official documents from third party servers. Alternatively, decent remote access apps always transmit data over a heavily encrypted SSL connection.

The ever growing number of computers in homes and offices make it difficult for IT experts to visit the site to offer support. Remote tech support apps have become so sophisticated these days, unless there is a hardware issue valuable man hours of the network team can be saved. For those who are looking to implement remote access and support in their home or office, we have compiled a list of web apps after the fold.

LogMeIn

LogMeIn is probably the most popular among the remote access web apps and runs in almost every popular platform imaginable. The ease of use of the app is impeccable and has an ever growing number of features. They do have an annoying number of similarly featured products and solutions though. For those who are just looking for basic remote access and login, the free account is more than enough.

With the paid Pro account, you can send large files directly from desktop to desktop, copy files, control and hear music. Remote printing and Wake on LAN features are also available. Combined with LogMeIn Central, you can run diagnostics, set up in-depth monitoring including CPU usage & memory utilization and pull analytics.

Platforms Supported: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android.

Yuuguu

Wow! It took me couple of minutes to get the name and spelling of the app right. Despite their tricky name, Yuuguu is a multi tasking web app that handles web conferences, online meetings and remote access & collaboration. In Yuuguu, remote access happens via Web Share which also acts as a screen sharing app for remote presentations.

Using the Web Share feature, you can show your screen to a group of up to 30 people and your viewers only need a web browser. There is no need for them to sign up or download anything to access and control your screen. With the free account, you get to perform 100 minutes of Web Share every month.
Platforms Supported: Windows, Mac & Linux.

Techinline

Techinline is a remote support app that enables instant and secure connection between remote computers over the web. The app is simple to use for ordinary PC users yet powerful enough to be deployed in large and medium sized businesses.

Techline remote access app is ideal for you to quickly view, diagnose and fix remote desktops without the need for pre-installing software. Users can copy and paste files from local to remote desktops and can also initiate chat sessions while troubleshooting.

The app comes with a 15 day trial license period and after that you can purchase a monthly subscription or session bundles.

Platforms Supported: Windows.

GoToMyPC

GoToMyPC is another uber popular web app from the GoTo stable of apps, for remotely accessing your desktop. Now owned by Citrix, the app is a great fit for both home as well as corporate users. Like in the case of LogMeIn, the process begins with the installation of a GoToMyPC client and the desktop can be accessed from anywhere.

The connection is heavily encrypted with a 128 bit AES algorithm and you can copy and paste files across desktops without the fear of data getting stolen. The app allows file transfer, keyboard lock and remote printing. For those who want to be on top of access, a comprehensive log of user activity with time stamps is readily available.

GoToMyPc has a full featured free trial period of 30 days.

Platforms Supported: Mac and Windows.

TeamViewer

TeamViewer is an IT crowd favorite when it comes to remote access and troubleshooting. Apparently, 100 millions users across the world find the web app easy to set up and use. TeamViewer app is extremely good at getting past corporate firewalls and since it runs on HTML & Flash can be accessed from any modern browser and operating system. TeamViewer is free to use and it evens allows you to customize the app with your own logo and description.

Platforms Supported: Mac, Linux, iOS and Windows.

CrossLoop

CrossLoop is not a dedicated remote access app per se. CrossLoop describes itself as a consumer Internet company that empowers everyone to help someone anywhere in the world with its free and easy-to-use software application for desktop sharing. Apart from the free self serve remote access app, CrossLoop also connects those with computer trouble with professional and amateur IT support experts. A free Home version of the app is available that lets you access 5 computers along with a Pro version that allows custom branding.

Platforms Supported: Mac and Windows.

Netviewer

Netviewer is a three in one app that can handle online meetings, remote support and webinar sessions. Netviewer’s remote control function lets you take control of the remote system and the user on the other end can limit the applications you can see and control. Remote installation of patches and software updates are also possible. With the help of Netviewer admin, remote maintenance of unattended computers can be done effortlessly.

Platforms Supported: Mac and Windows.

GoToAssist

GoToAssist takes pride in being the only remote-support product line offering two distinct products – one for individuals and the other for support teams. With this app, you can perform maintenance on unattended computers complete with remote reboot and you can also pull reports on the time spent on support and maintenance.

Platforms Supported: Mac and Windows.

RemotePC

RemotePC lets you connect to remote computers for support, maintenance and also to work on documents including emails, and applications. You can get the app to work even if the computer is logged out and can also perform remote reboot and reconnect. All the connections occur over SSL and the app does not have a free version, only paid subscriptions are available.

Platforms Supported: Mac, iOS and Windows.

ShowMyPC

ShowMyPC allows remote support, desktop sharing and web conferencing. Apart from the standard features and monthly subscription plans, ShowMyPC also sells the software for using behind a corporate firewall. If you have sensitive data transmitted through the remote connection, you can use our own servers inside your premises and use the self hosted version of ShowMyPC without any recurring subscription charges.

Platforms Supported: Mac, Linux and Windows.

Which remote access and support do you use at your home/office? Share your thoughts in the comments section.